Obituary of James Kirkman

Bedford – James Kirkman, 80, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at his residence. Born August 22, 1943, in Bedford, he was the son of Vernie and June (Thompson) Kirkman. He retired from General Motors where he was a fork-lift operator moving hot metal. He was a member of the Gillen Post #33 American Legion Honor Guard where he played Taps at funeral services. He was a member of the First Baptist Church Praise Band, Bedford Nostalgia Band, the Bloomington Community Band, The Dynamics, and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. He loved his dogs, Charlie Three Legs and Wilbur. Survivors include a daughter, Kellie Phillips-Ortiz and husband, Timothy, of Bedford; a sister, Bonnie Mullinax; two brothers, Vernie Daniel and Orvis Kirkman; two grandchildren, Jessica and Justin Kenney; five great-grandchildren, Bentley and Braylee Combs, Makynlee, Jayden and Clayton Kenney. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Alma Ruth Kirkman and a brother, Jonathan Kirkman. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 28th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Pastor Jason Filler officiating and where military rites will be accorded by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Burial will follow in Patton Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 27th and from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Thursday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.